STUART BANNIGAN believes the Partick Thistle players’ bond off the pitch will be as vital as their ability on it when it comes to SPL survival next season.

The Firhill kid says it’s like playing with a bunch of pals at the Jags as the squad is so close-knit even away from the Maryhill ground.

And that’s why he believes it would be foolish for anyone to tip them as relegation fodder in the top flight – after winning the First Division title.

One of Bannigan’s “mates”, Alan Archibald, is now his gaffer after taking over from Jackie McNamara who left for Dundee United in February.

And the Scotland Under-21 midfielder is adamant the togetherness both bosses fostered in the last year will stand them in good stead in the new campaign.

Bannigan, who has just signed a new two-year deal at Thistle, told MailSport: “After the last game of the season two years ago against Hamilton, Jackie said to us ‘right go away, and we’ll come back and win the league next year’.

“That gave everyone a bit of confidence that we could do it.

“It breathed new life into the club and it was an incredible season for us.

“People might expect us to go straight back down from the SPL but that’s not our expectation.

“We have our own ideas on what we can achieve and we want to build something here.

“We are confident we can stay up. We amassed a lot of points last season in a really tough league.

“Teams have gone up before and done well and we believe we can do the same. I think the key to our success is that we’re all good mates.

“Off the pitch we all keep in contact with each other. We’re pals and have a tight bond.

“That has been so important for us. I can’t remember ever seeing a fight among the boys at any point during last season.

“That spirit allied to the ability we have will definitely benefit us in the SPL.

“Was it an easy transition for Archie? Well, he has made it look easy! He hasn’t been beaten yet over 90 minutes so you can’t ask for much more.”

As a teenager Bannigan was released by Celtic and resorted to Sunday amateur football in a bid to stay in the game.

Thankfully, Thistle picked him up and the youngster hasn’t looked back since.

He admits it has been a tough learning curve for him but the 20-year-old is now itching to test himself in Scotland’s top league next term.

He said: “There was a point when I wasn’t playing at all. After being let go by Celtic I didn’t know what to do. I played for my mate’s Sunday team just to stay fit.

“We trained at Firhill Complex next to Partick Thistle’s U-17 squad and I ended up joining them. It was by sheer chance they were on the other half of the pitch to us.

“Looking back, leaving Celtic was the best thing that could have happened to me.

“Jackie gave me great belief. He instilled that in me and showed faith. He gave me a run of games and at a point where I wasn’t sure if I’d keep my place, he stuck with me.

“But it’s definitely a step up next season. I respect the players in the SPL but I think I can compete with them so I’ll give it my best shot and see where it takes me.”